7 Vejas Shoes That Are Sustainable, Stylish, And So What You Need

Meredith Holser
Jun 04, 2024
Vejas Shoes

Veja is the cool girl sneaker brand you might not know about just yet. In the vein of not gatekeeping, I’m here to let you know that Veja is out here making some of the chicest sustainable sneakers that are the perfect blend between functional and fashionable.

Veja is super transparent about the materials they use for their shoes, including how they’ve been acquired. They prioritize premium, responsibly-sourced and purchased materials like Brazilian cotton and Amazonian rubber for their designs, and the attention to quality shoes.

Some of their top-selling styles rival silhouettes from our favorite shoe brands like Adidas and New Balance. They range from sporty to more fashion-forward, so there’s a Veja for everyone! Scroll for the top shoe styles to rock ASAP.

Volley White Canvas

$145

Meet the Veja Volleys! They're a reissued version of one of the brand's very first shoe styles, inspired by 1970's Brazilian volleyball shoes. They feature a light cotton upper, sustainably-sourced suede and leather panels, and rubber along the sole. I love the casual, low profile look of them, plus the paneled toe box looks quite similar to the ever-so-adored Adidas Sambas. 👀 The chic green "V" accent gives 'em some nice street cred.

Volley Black Canvas

$145

For the fans of darker shoes, these Volleys have a similar look to some of the most popular Sambas colorways. The contrasting brown rubber sets off the black and white vibe of these sneaks so stylishly. You can feel confident about rocking these every day, since they are easy to clean with a simple mix of cold water and gentle soap. Consider your next cool girl walking shoe found.

Rio Branco

$160

The Rio Brancos from Veja step things up a notch. They have ample heel height compared to the Volleys, making each step super plush and stable. The outer shell of these shoes is partly comprised of Veja's bespoke Alveomesh along the sides, which is a flexible, breathable recycled polyester. It's met with additional suede and leather paneling that feels eerily reminiscent of the New Balance 327. The limited color palette makes these easy to wear with anything, and the bumpy outsole provides unmatched traction for every step, no matter where you are.

Wata II Low

$135

These platformed Vejas sneakers boast a bold rubber toe (Converse vibes for sure) that's sure to turn heads. The rubber toe box and sole surrounding is offset by a light organic cotton upper that of course, highlights the brand's signature (and very stylish) "V" logo on the side. These are fairly casual and low-rise on the ankle, so you can really show off some cool socks – if that's your jam.

Wata II

$145

For a higher rise sneaker, go for the Wata II's. These feature the same silhouette as the Wata II Low, but the material works up the ankle for a pinch of personality. Unlike the other styles' cotton upper, these are made using Veja's Ripstop fabric, which is intended to resist damages. That means the outer part of the shoe will maintain its integrity, even if it gets torn or scratched!

V-90

$180

These V-90's brag a puffier shape than Veja's signature Volley shoes, but they're still sleek as ever. The all-white color palette really helps contribute to that, but what really seals the deal is the smooth leather material. Per Veja, the leather is sourced from farms in Uruguay and is 100% organic certified. With these shoes, the "V" logo is more discreet, since it's not contrasting – opening up a world of styling possibilities.

Dekkan

$210

The Veja Dekkans also feature their 100% recycled Alveomesh material, which allows for maximized breathability. As opposed to the more fashion-forward Volley and Wata silhouettes, this one is more of a technical shoe for outdoor adventures like walking or hiking. These were actually made in collaboration with Vibram, so they're fitted with high-traction, shock-absorbing soles. This calming colorway is just everything!

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Images via Veja.

8 Best Drugstore Foundations For Mature Skin To Erase Signs Of Aging

Signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles are inevitable as we, well, age. But age does not dictate whether or not you can rock a stunning makeup look! When it comes to applying foundation to mature skin, you can still achieve a smooth, glowy base.

The best practice for finding foundations for mature skin is avoiding thick, high-coverage foundations – they can look cakey and sink into those pesky fine lines, accentuating them even more. Instead, opt for thinner, more buildable foundations. Bonus points for formulas with hydrating and anti-aging ingredients like hyaluronic acid and SPF!

If you’re getting glam on a budget, I’ve tracked down the 8 best drugstore foundations for mature skin. The best part is they’re all relatively affordable, but oh-so effective in providing coverage so you can step out with confidence.

The best drugstore foundations for mature skin in 2024:

Scroll on for the best drugstore foundations for mature skin, starting at just $9!

Amazon

Best hyaluronic acid formula: CoverGirl & Olay Simply Ageless 3-in-1 Liquid Foundation

Pros: Infused with Olay skincare like niacinamide, a hyaluronic complex, and vitamin C, good coverage, smooth application

Cons: Customers have noted that the shades can run darker than what's noted on the packaging

Promising review: "This product is amazing. It truly provides full coverage. It makes my skin look flawless. No cakeiness and foundation seems creamy and good quality. Not super lightweight but that's ok with me."

Amazon

Best SPF formula: L'Oreal Paris Age Perfect Radiant Serum Foundation

Pros: Higher sun protection than other options at SPF 50, includes vitamin B3 and a hydrating serum to better complexion

Cons: Some users noted the formula can feel oily

Promising review: "I found my holy grail. Years and years, probably hundreds of dollars later, my Goldilocks foundation is cheap, available and even includes a high SPF. Why I waited so long on this L’Oréal winner, I don’t know. My mature dry skin loves this one. Never settles in lines or texture and lasts all day. Medium coverage and so easy to apply with brush, fingers or sponge. Very natural finish but not dewy."

Amazon

Best antioxidant formula: Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Foundation

Pros: Includes vitamin E, feverfew (known for calming properties), and natural soy to enhance skin

Cons: Poor shade range, formula can be thicker than others but "dries right away and covers very well."

Promising review: "Finally found a foundation that looks natural with a good match to my skin. I read an article on a celebrity who uses it so I decided to give it a try. I dot it all over my face and use a makeup brush to stipple it first and then swirl. It’s buildable so you can start slow. I love how it looks on my mature skin. Doesn’t settle or look dry."

Amazon

Best on-the-go formula: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Foundation

Pros: Packaging makes it easy to travel with and apply, buildable coverage, blurring applicator

Cons: Some users noted the formula can feel oily, leading it to fade quickly

Promising review: "So easy to apply, can be blended with fingertips or makeup brush, really excellent coverage! No strange smells and doesn't irritate my skin (and I'm very sensitive, in the past had to use hypoallergenic brands). Have reordered and will not try any other brands going forward. It's funny because it's been 55 years since I used a Maybelline product, spent years paying for upscale brands, and now they've finally got it right!"

Amazon

Best long-wear formula: Revlon 3X Age Defying Foundation

Pros: Claims to work as a moisturizer, serum, and primer all in one, easily buildable

Cons: Sun protection is very low at SPF 20, poor shade range

Promising review: "I have dry mature skin. This is perfect for me. I like how it looks natural... I don’t use my moisturizer when I use it…it’s like using moisturizer. I cleanse, tone and then apply with a kabuki brush. A+"

Amazon

Best dewy formula: Maybelline Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Liquid Foundation

Pros: Adds a luminous finish, oil-free formula

Cons: Sun protection is very low at SPF 18

Promising review: "An older friend with beautiful skin told me she used Maybelline Fit Me Dewy, so I tried it. It works better with my aging skin than many more expensive brands of foundation I’ve tried. Despite being light as a feather, it has fairly good coverage for blending out dark spots or splotches, [so] I sometimes use a concealer for under eye circles, too. There is a great range of colors, so it’s easier to get a good match."

Amazon

Best buildable formula: Covergirl Advanced Radiance Age Defying Foundation

Pros: Reduces fine lines and imperfections, cruelty-free formula

Cons: Some customers have noticed discrepancies between this product's shade names and the rest of Covergirl's foundations and that it can be cakey on the face, but only with a heavy hand

Promising review: "When I started to develop fine lines around my eyes I found the mineral powder foundation settled into them and made me look older. (I'm now mid 40s). This foundation provides a medium to full coverage (depending on amount used) which I like but still looks natural. It is very creamy, feels light, and does not settle into my fine lines. It doesn't feel like I'm wearing makeup."

Amazon

Best subtle splurge: IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream

Pros: Great coverage, multi-tasking product with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamin E, and SPF

Cons: On the more expensive side (this travel-size version is $22)

Promising review: "I'm a 58 year old woman of Italian heritage. I definitely have that ever-so-slight olive tint to my skin. Despite the spotty reviews I decided to try it anyway... I LOVE this product and for me it lives up to all the hype."

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Chad Michael Murray's Sweet Reason For Bringing His Family To Set Proves He's The Ultimate Girl Dad

Chad Michael Murray has many names: Lucas Scott, Cal Jones, Jake — and Dad! The actor (whose new movie The Merry Gentlemen is on Netflix now) just revealed that he always brings his kids to work while filming, and my daddy's girl heart is simply melting.

If you're an One Tree Hill fan, there's a good chance you're a die-hard Lucas and Peyton shipper, but IRL Chad currently has three children with wife, Sarah Roemer: a son who's nine, a daughter who's six, and another daughter who just turned one.

Here's why Chad Michael Murray always brings his family to set with him.

  • Chad Michael Murray has three kids: a 9-year-old son, a 6-year-old daughter, and a 1-year-old daughter.
  • The actor revealed why his family, whom he calls "The Pack," joins him on every film set.
  • He also spills on why he's "really proud" of new Christmas movie The Merry Gentlemen, on Netflix now!

The reason Chad Michael Murray always brings his fam to set is actually really simple. “I want to be there," he tells Variety of why his family is inseparable. "I got to be there for my daughter’s first steps. I got to take her trick or treating for the first time. And she crushed it!"

The actor really views his family as a unit, and proudly calls them "The Pack," which sounds exactly like something Austin Ames from A Cinderella Story would call his family. But don't worry — even though the family was with him on the set of The Merry Gentlemen, which follows a group of guys who stage a steamy revue to rescue a local venue, the kids don't have any innocence lost.

“It’s not gratuitous by any means," he continues. "We threaded the needle on that film. You go too far and you’re making one movie, you go too under, and it doesn’t work at all. It’s in the perfect space where people won’t feel wrong having it on the TV in the background. It’s the sweet spot, and I’m really proud of that."

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A post shared by Chad Murray (@chadmichaelmurray)

Chad and his wife recently celebrated their 10th anniversary on September 19, and he posted the sweetest tribute in honor of the special day. "We’ve jammed more into this 10 years than I ever could’ve imagined. It’s truly astounding," he says on Instagram. "It’s been the Best decade of my life by far- sharing each and every moment with you. We’ve grown this little pack together and seen so much of the world as a family. I’m so grateful for you Sarah. Every day is a better and much brighter day with you in it:)"

"I hope and pray for at least 50 more anniversaries with you," he continues. "Till we’re old and gray… new hips, new knees, our elbow skin will be touching the ground, all the kids will think we’re senile but really we’re just f-ing with them… coz that’s what you do when you’re old and together:) I love you Sarah- Happy 10th Anniversary❤️❤️❤️"

In addition to his new holiday flick, the One Tree Hill actor recently made headlines for commenting on his potential return to the One Tree Hill sequel series that's (hopefully) coming to Netflix soon. We know Sophia Bush, Hilarie Burton, and Danneel Ackles are involved, but will we see Lucas join Brooke, Peyton, and Rachel? "No clue," he says, although he hopes it “comes together for the fans.”

“I mean, this fandom that has grown, I mean, literally, I was just in Halifax a week ago and, sure enough, I’m running into 11, 12, 13-year-old kids who are in love with Tree Hill,” he continues. “They’re seeing it on Hulu and they’re going, ‘Oh, my gosh.’ It’s stood the test of time and I think to have some new stories, whatever iteration of the show that’s created, I want it for the fans.”

C'mon everybody let's sing together — I DON'T WANNA BE ANYTHING OTHER THAN WHAT I'VE BEEN TRYNA BE LATELY!

Does Chad Michael Murray seem like the ultimate girl dad? Let us know in the comments and tag us with your hottest The Merry Gentlemen takes!

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40 Perfect Gifts I’d Give My Best Friends (But Really Want For Myself)

My best friends mean the world to me, and though I wish I could give them the world, this year, I just want to get them gifts that are as special as our friendship. Whether it’s a personalized pendant, a cute skincare set, or the lip shade they simply can’t stop talking about, I want them to know just how much I care about their companionship! Thus, I’ve curated the ultimate list of gifts for best friends to help you gift your besties something they’ll truly love, especially if it comes from you. These gifts are so good, I really want them for myself, too.

Our 40 favorite gifts for best friends:

Scroll on to see the absolute best gifts for best friends to give in 2024!

Amazon

1. Scent Beauty by Sabrina Carpenter Cherry Baby Eau de Parfum

Leave it to Sabrina Carpenter to influence my list of gifts for best friends. Her "Cherry Baby" scent carries sultry notes of vanilla, peony, cherries, and chocolate, which is the perfect aroma for a night out with the girls.

Summer Fridays

2. Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm

This lip balm is viral for a reason. Your besties' lips deserve all the instant moisture, color, and shine this tube provides. This brown sugar shade looks decadent AF, but you can also snag it in other fun 'flavors' like iced coffee and mint.

Camp Snap

3. Camp Snap Screen-Free Digital Camera

For the one that's always documenting the friend group's antics, they'll enjoy taking this unique, screen-free digicam on nights out, weekend trips, and cozy nights in! It captures film-style photos (without the time-consuming film photography process), and it can be used over and over again since it's rechargeable.

SeaVees

4. SeaVees Hayward Platform Shoes

Moccasin-style shoes are super popular this winter. I love how comfortable SeaVees' shoes are, so I might just have to share the love with my besties this holiday season... and snag a pair for myself so we can match, of course!

Dieux

5. Dieux Angel Face Cleanser + Moisturizer Bundle

Dieux is one of my go-to skincare brands for effective products that still take it easy on my sensitive skin. Their Baptism cleanser, part of this giftable duo, provides a nice clean without stripping any moisture from my skin. I also use their Instant Angel moisturizer religiously in the wintertime since things tend to get real dry. I'd say you can confidently gift this set to besties of any skin type.

Anthropologie

6. By Anthropologie Monogram Heart Locket Necklace

Personalized gifts will always feel special. Kick this gift idea up a notch by inserting a little pic of you and your BFF in the locket before wrapping and handing it over!

Urban Outfitters

7. Baggu Mini Nylon Shoulder Bag

I carry this Baggu bag just about everywhere I go. It's perfect for happy hours or dinners since it's small and not too much of a hassle to tow along, but don't let its size fool you: this baby can fit a lot. Your most stylish best friend will be wearing it the moment they open their gift!

Target

8. Jingle & Mingle 5 Days of Rosé Wine Set

You can never go wrong with rosé, baby! This gift set carries 5 personal-sized bottles of different varieties for them to sip on around the holidays.

Kulfi Beauty

9. Kulfi Beauty All Night Out Eye Set

This eye makeup set is complete with a bold eyeliner shade and a shimmery pot of eyeshadow. You get to choose the exact shades of each before purchasing, so this is truly one of the most fun personalized gift ideas. The set also comes with a funky pair of mismatched hair clips – so cute!

Dame

10. Dame Massage Oil Candle

This soothing candle melts down into a sweet-smelling massage oil that's easily dispensable, thanks to the pointed spout on the glass. This is a great gift for your single and partnered pals alike, whether they're using it to wind down themselves or for sexy time with their S.O.!

Life is Good

11. Life is Good 'I Deserve A Little Treat' Boxy Crusher Tee

Everyone deserves a little treat. Wrap up this awesome (and comfy!) tee alongside your bestie's favorite snack, sweet treat, or freshly-baked dessert to totally nail their gift this year!

Compartés

12. Compartés Pistachio Sea Salt Chocolate Truffles

These aesthetically-pleasing truffles could be the perfect sweet treat in question!

Nordstrom

13. OSEA Super Glow Body Set

I know anyone in my close friends circle would be happy to be gifted some nice skincare goodies. This luxe set from OSEA comes with a body wash, oil, and serum to keep skin looking and feeling happy!

Subscribe to our newsletter for even more holiday gift ideas!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

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OMG Miley Cyrus Makes Rare Comments On Why She "Loves" Maxx Morando

Miley Cyrus and boyfriend Maxx Morando are extremely elusive, TBH. We've gotten snippets of their relationship status here and there, from them moving in together to their adorable appearance at the Grammys, but not much more than that. Thankfully, Miley opened up to Harper's Bazaarabout her budding relationship, making rare comments about her curly-haired beau.

Here's what Miley Cyrus had to say about Maxx Morando!

Francis Specker/CBS

Like most millennials, Miley needs help staying up-to-date on all things Gen Z, including (and maybe especially) when it comes to memes. Luckily, apparently Maxx keeps her in the loop by sending her what he sees online — a time when their eight-year age gap really seems to come in handy. She told Harper's Bazaar, “He looks at life really differently than I do. He grew up with a laptop. I had a desktop computer that I shared with my brothers and sisters."

The Grammy-winner went on to explain that Maxx even uses his Gen Z-ness when it comes to their dog (OMG they have a dog together?!). She said, "Honestly, he’s raised our dog off Reddit. I’m like, Are you sure we’re supposed to be doing this? And he’s like, On Reddit it says blah, blah, blah."

She went on to explain that Maxx is "very similar" to her. She said, "We just don’t take life too seriously." This all plays into their ability for the two musicians to collaborate on creating, meshing their personal and professional lives pretty seamlessly. According to the article, Maxx helped write the song "Something Beautiful" on her upcoming album, which is apparently the title track...I'm not crying, you are!

While so many couldn't intertwine their careers with matters so personal, Miley clearly feels differently. She said, “I worked with my dad forever. That’s how me and my ex-husband met each other. I’ve always worked with the people that I love. And Maxx just inspires me so much.”

BRB while I anxiously await this new album...and any other updates on these two love birds!

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Yikes, These Are The Worst TV Shows of 2024 (So Far)

As 2024 slowly comes to a close, it’s safe to say that this year has given us some pretty entertaining TV shows. While there were some shows that made us laugh, cry, and want to date a hot rabbi (I’m looking at you, Nobody Wants This, which is getting a season two, btw), the internet can't stop talking about other Emmy-award winning shows like Shōgunand Baby Reindeer, plus Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story.

However, there are some shows that just weren't well reserved by audiences and critics (*coughs* Echo *coughs*). Whether you loved watching every second of these shows or hated them with a burning passion, these shows just didn't make the cut.

Keep reading to see if you agree with the worst TV shows of 2024 (so far), according to viewers and critics.

The Spiderwick Chronicles

Roku

Based on the best-selling children’s book series written by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black, this modern retelling follows the Grace family as they move from their longtime home in New York to their ancestral home in Michigan, where they discover an enchanted secret about the Spiderwick Estate.

Despite its whimsical premise and talented young cast (in addition to a cameo by longtime Hollywood actor Christian Slater), the first season of this Roku Channel series received an IMDb rating of 5.3 out of 10 and a 42 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Yikes.

A Good Girl's Guide To Murder

Netflix

Another book adaptation that let some fans down came this summer when A Good Girl's Guide To Murder dropped on Netflix. The series follows Pip, who's determined to prove Sal Singh isn't responsible for his girlfriend Andie's death — and that the real murderer is still out there. Eek!

Even though BookTok couldn't get enough of the novel, the show received a 6.8 out of 10 IMDb rating and a 69 percent audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. But don't worry, Holly Jackson fans! The show just got renewed for season 2.

Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft

Netflix

As she's confronted with a secret from her past, Lara Croft puts herself in danger once again to retrieve a historical artifact that's been stolen. Although some critics commend the Netflix series for its animation style and its ability to be a solid continuation of the beloved game series, Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft didn’t quite hit the mark for viewers, earning an audience rating of 33 percent on Rotten Tomatoes and a 5.4 out of 10 score on IMDb.

But it appears that Netflix has decided to give Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft one more shot to impress audiences because the streaming service announced back in October that a second season has been officially greenlit.

Chicken Nugget

Garage Lab/Netflix

As someone who loves watching a cute K-drama every now and then, I’ll be honest: When I first read the premise for Netflix’s Chicken Nugget, I thought it was a little strange. Here’s the SparkNotes version: Inspired by the popular webtoon of the same name, the ten-episode comedy series follows a young woman who enters a mysterious machine and—get this—turns into a chicken nugget. Her father and a secret admirer ban together to turn her back to normal.

Despite receiving a perfect score from Tomatometer-approved critics, Chicken Nugget was only fairly received by audiences, receiving a 73 percent audience score on RT and a 5.1 out of 10 rating on IMDb. Oh boy…

Megamind Rules!

Peacock

Unfortunately, when it comes to the worst TV shows of 2024, kids' series took a hit too. Megamind is a beloved movie for lots of Gen Z, but its TV adaptation only received a shocking 2.1 out of 10 rating on IMDb. It recovered a bit with a 77 percent audience rating on RT.

Echo

Chuck Zlotnick/Marvel Studios

Just when we thought nothing could top Sony's Madame Web and its poorly-received execution on all fronts, Echo surely takes the cake for worst show of 2024 for some longtime fans of the comic book universe. The series follows Maya Lopez (Alaqua Cox), who's pursued by Wilson Fisk’s (Vincent D’Onofrio) nefarious operation. This causes her to return home, where she's confronted with her family history and past.

Though the show has a bad—ss titular character and an exciting premise, it was just a hard “no” for some Marvel fans. In addition to its 6 out of 10 rating on IMDb, one fan on Reddit shared their thoughts on the series, writing, “There was no flow at all and it was seemingly set up more like a movie than a TV series. I didn’t feel excited at all and everything felt incredibly anti-climactic.” As they go on to note that this is their honest opinion, the Redditor emphasized that they “truly did not like that show at all.” So much for Echo season two.

The Acolyte

Disney+/Lucasfilm

Serving as a prequel to the Star Wars franchise, The Acolyte follows a Jedi Master investigating a string of murders that leads him to encounter a sinister foe from his past.

Despite its inclusion of characters from diverse backgrounds and exploration of LGBTQ+ themes, the show was not only canceled after one season due to low viewership, it was also rated poorly by viewers, with a 4.2 out of 10 rating on IMDB and a 18 percent audience score on RT. Either way, I will always be an Osha + Qimir shipper 4LIFE!

Good Times

Netflix

Netflix's animated series Good Times might have geniuses like Steph Curry and Seth McFarlane behind the scenes (and Marsai Martin!!) but it still only raked in a 4.1 on IMDb — and a 10 percent RT critics' score alongside a 25 percent audience score.

What do you think about these shows? Are there any other series you think were the worst TV shows of 2024? Let us know in the comments below and before you get too sad, read up on 13 TV & Movie Adaptations That Are Just As Good As The Book (Yes, Really).

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